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axariotisxy

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I have been having trouble with frozen phyllo - it sticks when I take it out of the package. I will try to switch to a different brand, but I am wondering if I should actually give making my wn phyllo a try? Do you guys have any tips for me?

I found this recipe - does it look good to you guys? I have never done this before:

 
Frozen phyllo dough should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator, and then the next day left out at room temp for about 2 hours. That should make it easier to use and handle, and do work quickly as it dries out quickly, so the faster you put your dish together, the easier it will be to work with.
 
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I agree - definitely make sure that the phyllo is thawed overnight in the refrigerator. I would try that before making your own phyllo.
 
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It must be thawed overnight in the 'fridge, or you'll never be able to do anything with it. You can leave at room temperature for about 2 hours before using. It helps to work quickly, that way it won't dry out much, and you can place a damp dish towel underneath wax paper of the phyllo. If you have excess for the size pan you're using, just fold it over, If it's small, piece together some other sheets to fill in. It does not need to be neat and tidy, work swiftly, brush with butter, and keep going. It doesn't matter how you piece it together, as after it's baked it will all be smooth.

Have all ingredients ready to use before starting assembling with the phyllo. I can usually assemble a pan of baklava in about 10 minutes. If a sheet cracks or breaks, it doesn't matter, just put another one over it. If you're making baklava, score the pieces before baking, so when you pour syrup over it, it will sink in to all pieces. For spanakopita or any other type of pita, you don't need to score.
 
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Luana, thanks for all the help. I did exactly what you said, and the problems I had been having with phyllo stopped! I never realized that the way it's thawed makes such a huge difference.
 
Luana, thanks for all the help. I did exactly what you said, and the problems I had been having with phyllo stopped! I never realized that the way it's thawed makes such a huge difference.
You're very welcome! Glad I could help. I don't think there's any info on the box of phyllo. I learned this from one of my aunts, or I wouldn't have known it either. It also helps to have all ingredients ready to go before you start with the phyllo. I can assemble a pan of baklava in about 10 minutes, once the nuts are chopped, then I start with the phyllo and brushing with butter, and work quickly. Phyllo dough is very forgiving. If a sheet breaks, just piece together, after its baked, you would never know it.
 

My Family’s Keftedes Recipe

Keftedes are one of those foods that always remind me of family gatherings. Everyone seems to make them a little differently, but this is the basic version my family has always used.

For about a pound of ground beef, we add one small grated onion, a handful of chopped fresh parsley, a little fresh mint, one egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, oregano, and a small splash of red wine vinegar. Sometimes we add a little grated garlic as well.

The important part is mixing everything well and then letting the mixture sit in the refrigerator for a little while before shaping the keftedes. We make them fairly small, roll them lightly in flour, and fry them in olive oil until browned on the outside and cooked through.

We usually serve them with lemon, potatoes, salad, or tzatziki.

How does your family make keftedes? I’m especially curious about which herbs and seasonings everyone uses. Thought I'd share!

What Is the Best Way to Serve Taramosalata?

I absolutely love taramosalata and have it pretty regularly at home, but I’m having some people over soon and was wondering about the best way to serve it when entertaining.

Normally I just eat it with some bread or pita, so I don’t really put much thought into presentation. For guests, though, I’d like to make it part of a nice Greek-style spread with a few other things on the table. I was thinking warm pita triangles, crusty bread, maybe some cucumber and other vegetables for dipping, but I’m curious what everyone else usually serves with it.

Do you drizzle a little olive oil over the top or add any kind of garnish? And are there particular meze that you think pair especially well with taramosalata?

I’d love some ideas for making it look a little more special while still keeping everything traditional and simple.

Do You Make Avgolemono Thick or Brothy?

I usually prefer avgolemono somewhere in the middle. I don’t like it so thick that it feels almost like a cream soup, but I also don’t want it completely thin and brothy. For me, the best version has enough egg and lemon to give the broth some body while still keeping it light.

A lot probably depends on what kind of avgolemono you’re making, too. In chicken soup, I like it a little more brothy because I want the rice or orzo and chicken to still stand out. With something like lahanodolmades, I don’t mind the avgolemono sauce being thicker because it is coating the food rather than serving as the soup itself.

The lemon level matters just as much as the thickness. I like enough lemon to make it bright and noticeable, but not so much that it overwhelms everything else. I think balance is really the key.

What herbs do you use when making Greek stuffed zucchini?

I've been thinking about making Greek stuffed zucchini (kolokithakia gemista), and I'm curious about which herbs everyone uses in the filling. I've seen quite a few variations, and it seems like the combination of herbs can really influence the overall flavor of the dish.

Some recipes use plenty of fresh dill and parsley, while others include mint or even a little oregano. I've also noticed that some people add green onions for extra flavor. I'm wondering whether certain herbs are considered more traditional, especially when making stuffed zucchini with rice and ground meat.

Do you use a combination of herbs, or do you prefer to keep the seasoning fairly simple? Does your family have a particular recipe that has been passed down through generations?

I'm especially interested in how the herbs complement the avgolemono sauce. What combination do you think gives Greek stuffed zucchini the best flavor?

Do you put potatoes in your briam?

I've noticed that there are quite a few variations of briam, especially when it comes to which vegetables people include. One ingredient I'm particularly curious about is potatoes. Do you always put potatoes in your briam, or do you prefer making it without them?

I usually think of briam as a combination of zucchini, eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and plenty of olive oil. I love how the potatoes absorb all those wonderful flavors as everything slowly roasts together in the oven.

However, I've seen recipes that leave the potatoes out entirely and focus more on the summer vegetables. I imagine that makes the dish a little lighter.

I'm also curious whether there are regional differences in how briam is prepared throughout Greece. Does your family have a particular way of making it? And what vegetables do you consider absolutely essential?
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